Local Artist Donates Work to SSO to Help Orchestrate a Musical Community!

Kirsten-Renehan-Donates-ArtArtist and high school teacher, Kirsten Renehan has a few tools of the artist trade up her sleeve. She teaches Drawing, Visual Communications and International Baccalaureate Visual Arts at Chesterton High School. Her background also includes that as a graphic designer and publicist for social service organizations in Chicago. Also an avid painter in watercolor and oil, Renehan usually devotes summertime to catch up on her personal artistic quests.

But on Friday evening, May 31, Renehan with some of her students will debut several art works made over the last month. These works were inspired by another work of art--a musical one! RED, composed by Ana Milosavljevic, a Serbian born New York violinist, was created in 2008 for string ensemble. However she recently created RED for orchestral performance. SSO will debut RED as part of their first season concert--Passionate Colors on Friday May 31 at Ivy Tech Auditorium Theater.

Renehan’s artwork has picked up on the preference for the composer’s love of red in nature. “When I first listened to the string ensemble version, I could feel the daybreak unfolding and the glorious emergence of color as the light broke harmoniously into a display of passionate tones. But I also tried to showcase the rhythm and movement of the sound and the occasionally distinctive instrument, which for me, became part of the landscape. Some of my students found similar references, but others found story narratives or subjects influenced by the color or sound. It will be an interesting display of work.” Renehan is donating her works for sale to benefit the orchestra.

Five years ago, Renehan began to assist South Shore Orchestra as a volunteer publicist to write press releases for their concerts and fundraisers. While not a musician, she enjoys the beauty and artistry of music as an artistic language. “I have learned a lot about classical and cultural music and even more about the power of music as a universal language.” She has traveled to China twice recording their adventure through photographs and two blogs. “Everywhere we performed we were received as celebrities--audiences were grateful for the engaging music offered--both American and Chinese.”

I love this community orchestra. It is special and I believe it is a community treasure. The musicians are your neighbors, your colleagues, and your friends. Consistent with the sixty-five members in the organization is they are dedicated and passionate about making music and sharing it with others.

This is going to be a great concert! Besides RED, Dvorak’s New World Symphony No. 9 will take us on a historical reflection of his visit to America in the 1890’s. It is one of his most popular pieces--the orchestra rehearses six weeks previous to each concert and this one gave them some workouts! Also our 2012 Scholarship recipient Hanna Cantu will perform a Lalo piece which earned her the award. Dr. Michael Leland will take up the baton and lead SSO as a special guest conductor for Stars and Stripes in honor of Memorial Day--an honor he was bestowed at our fundraiser last summer!

The art exhibit will be in the lobby at Ivy Tech Auditorium Theater. Come and meet and greet the visual artists, Maestro Troy Webdell, Composer Ana Milosavljevic, and some of the musicians at 6 pm. Auditorium seating is at 6:30. Concert begins at 7. Tickets are $15 Adults, $10 Seniors and Students with ID, Children under 12 FREE Tickets can be purchased at southshoreorchestra.com or at the door.